Current Ipad sweet spot?

[carreauchompeur]

Hi folks,

Current Air 3 is giving up the ghost. Cracked screen, top button goosed and screen now cracked.

It’s annoying, but I probably can’t make do with 64gb with films and photos on it.

What’s the current sweet spot value-wise? Don’t mind refurb, but provided it will keep up with current apps etc.

Ta

[vaud]

I'd say the base model 2022 Apple iPad, 10.9"

[xeny]

If you need more than 64 GB, I'd say it is between the 2022 10th gen with 256 GB for £464 or the 2024 6th Gen air for £670.

I'd rule out the 9th gen option (£400) as it has 3 rather than 4GB of RAM and a Lightning rather than USB-C connector.

[wyson]

I’d get something with an M processor, for better feature proofing. Apple AI is only being released on M and the top end iPhone Pro Max Ultra Super 15.

I’ll be in the market for one soon, they are dropping support for my iPad 6th gen this year. Going with a refurbed iPad Pro 11 with M1 processor or the 2024 iPad Air 11inch. I only watch content on it, so a bit overkill, but I noticed a lot of the car configurators struggle with the 2GB RAM on my current iPad. The 8GB RAM that comes with M processors should sort that.

Personally would be weary of anything with less than 4GB ram in the below list. Not a problem if you get a new one, but might matter if you are looking at a refurb.

https://9to5mac.com/2024/05/06/ipad-ram-list/

Obviously the more RAM a machine has, the more it can keep stuff loaded in memory, useful if you have lots of tabs open on a browser etc. With 2GB on mine, there is a fair amount of reloading and like I already mentioned it can’t cope at all with demanding websites like car configurators.

I can’t imagine the demand for memory will reduce over time either, hence going with 8GB for my next machine.

Edited by wyson on Thursday 4th July 09:31

[TownIdiot]

Just bought my daughter an 11" inch 2024 Air. Seemed like the best compromise between up to date spec and price.

I'd normally go for a high spec with a view to longevity but the high end pros are seriously expensive.

to my aging eyes the screen seems great.

And whilst I am at it £300 for an apple keyboard case???? Jesus wept.

[eeLee]

I picked up an Air with M1 early this year to replace a damaged non-M Air.

I can actually make do with 64Gb storage, the configs might offer you more storage for better value on the latest and the M1 models. I never found Pro to be a viable option cost-wise - I went for Surface Pro when I evaluated Pro against another daily driver.

[carreauchompeur]

Great stuff thanks, will keep considering. Hadn’t thought about RAM!

[journeymanpro]

My 2021 pro m1 is more than I'll ever need at not daft money.

[LeeM135i]

Have a 128Gb 12.9” 2020 iPad Pro which I think is the last one before the M series chips started. They are £569 on the Apple refurb site at the moment. It’s awesome, I use it everyday, play games, take notes, watch YouTube and comment on car forums with ease.

It can be a bit heavy at times so maybe look at the 11” iPad Pro if you need/want something lighter.

[carreauchompeur]

Still kicking around suggestions!

£500 is ceiling price. I can get a new 256gb IPad for £450 approx, but have also seen a few iPad Pros (5th gen) second hand for £500.

Would this perform better? Generally I do pretty undemanding stuff on it but a big screen is nice.
Occasionally do photo editing and basic video editing.

[Ruskie]

I was in the same boat with an original iPad Pro expiring. Looked at all the options and ended up just buying a second hand pro 12.9 with 96% battery for £150 off marketplace. Unless you’re working on an iPad the difference is negligible IMO.

[colin79666]

£450 grade A iPad Air M1 with 2 year warranty. I’d say that’s the sub £500 sweet spot.
https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail?id=sappa258864...

[ajprice]

I'd go with something M series now (I have an M1 Pro and Pencil), an M series Air refurb would probably be a good one (or refurb Pro and Pencil if you're doing drawing/graphics stuff)